Apparatus for retrieving oil-containment booms

ABSTRACT

A pair of elongated arms is pivotally mounted on a gunwale of a flotation vessel and is designed to retrieve and deploy an oil containment boom for inspection or repairs. Each arm is independently connected to an electrical winch assembly mounted on the flotation vessel. A remote control operates lowering and raising of the arms when retrieving and deploying the boom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for retrieving boom systems used for containment of oil spills and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to vessel-mounted assemblies that can be operated from the vessel and lowered into water to retrieve inflatable oil containment booms.

In recent years, oil spills dramatically increased as a result of increase in oil production and transportation. These happen in open seas as well in navigable waterways. Damage to even a moderate sized oil tanker can result in the leakage of thousands of barrels of oil into the waters around the tanker, and a blow-out in an off shore oil rig, such as recently occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, can result in millions of barrels of oil being dumped into the water. When such oil spills occur close to a shoreline, the danger of damaging fragile environmental ecosystems is considerably higher.

Current systems for containing the oil spills in waterways fall into two categories: (1) absorption or adsorption of the oil, or (2) skimming of the oil, typically in conjunction with containment. The first category involves applying oil-absorbent or oil-adsorbent materials, such as wood chips, activated carbon, wool, cotton balls, corn husks, duck feathers, and various synthetic polymeric materials. The second category provides for the use of oil-containment systems, where inflatable booms surround the spill until the oil can be collected. Boom systems prevent the spill from expanding or reaching a protected area such as a shoreline until it can be collected by mechanical means.

Typical boom systems employ a plurality of boom sections joined end to end. Each boom section includes a plurality of parallel inflatable chambers which are joined with a weighted curtain which is reinforced for strength. The boom sections are connected by a cable on top and by a weight member, such as a chain—on the bottom. Since the boom systems remain in water for a prolonged period of time, there are incidents when the boom sections become damaged by objects in the water or by wave action. A damaged boom can no longer contain the oil in the restricted area, allowing the oil to breach the barrier formed by the boom and potentially reach the shoreline.

To minimize such danger, environmental protection agencies require that the boom systems be regularly inspected and, if a breach occurred, the boom be repaired on site. Conventionally a small boat with two or more operators is used to inspect the boom systems. If a breach is detected, a technician leans over the side of the boat, as shown in FIG. 1, while the other operator holds the technician to prevent the technician from falling overboard. The technician manually retrieves the boom section on the boat deck, sometimes using a hook. The technician repairs the damage on the boat and lowers the boom section back into water. The boat then continues to travel alongside the boom system inspecting other sections.

Needless to say, such methods of retrieving the boom are not only time consuming, arduous, but also dangerous for the operators. The present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks associated with the conventional boom retrieval systems and provision of an apparatus for retrieving boom sections that uses electrically operated pivotal arms for lifting and deploying oil containment booms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for retrieving an oil-containment boom operable from aboard a marine vessel.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for retrieving an oil-containment boom that has pivotal arms operable from a marine vessel.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus for retrieving oil-containment booms that can be electrically operated from the boat.

These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of an apparatus A pair of elongated arms is pivotally mounted on a gunwale of a flotation vessel and is designed to retrieve and deploy an oil containment boom for inspection or repairs. Each arm is independently connected to an electrical winch assembly mounted on the flotation vessel. A remote control operates lowering and raising of the arms when retrieving and deploying the boom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art method of retrieving an oil-containment boom from a boat.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a boat with mounted apparatus of the present invention on a bow and port of the boat.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention mounted on a gun whale of a marine vessel.

FIG. 4 illustrates position of an arm lowered from a port of the marine vessel in relation to an oil containment boom.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating engagement of the oil containment boom by an arm of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates elevated position of the arms of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates elevated position of the arms of the apparatus of the present invention in preparation for deployment of the repaired oil containment boom.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates an apparatus of the present invention mounted on a gunwale 12 of a marine vessel 14. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a pair of pivotal arm assemblies 20 and 22 positioned in a parallel relationship to each other. Each of the arms 20, 22 comprises a first elongated arm member 21, 23, respectively, and a transversely rigidly connected second arm member 24, 25, respectively. The first arm members 21, 23 can be formed round, oval, rectangular or square in cross-section. Of course, other geometric shapes can be used, if desired.

Each of the arms 20 and 22 has a generally L-shaped configuration, with the second arm members 24, 25 extending at about a right angle in relation to the first arm members 21 and 23. The second arm members 24, 25 each have a sloping upper surface 26, 27 to facilitate engagement of a curtain weight, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Each first arm member 21, 23 has a proximate end 28, 29 and a distant end 30, 31, to which the second arm members 26, 27 are secured. The proximate ends 28, 29 of the first arm members 21, 23 are detachably pivotally engaged in bracket assemblies 32, 34, respectively. A pivot pin 35, 36 engages the proximate ends 28, 29 of the first arm members 21, 23 to a respective bracket assembly 32 and 34. The arms 20 and 22 are configured for a limited pivotal movement about the axes formed by the pins 35, 36 in relation to the boat hull, moving between an elevated position shown in FIG. 3 and a lowered position shown in FIG. 5. The pivotal movement of the arms 20, 22 is schematically illustrated by phantom arrows 37 in FIG. 3.

T-shaped cleats or cleat members 40, 41 are secured at the proximate ends 28, 29 of the arms 20, 22 in the location where the arms engage with the brackets 32, 34. The cleat members 40, 41 facilitate tying of a cable of the oil containment boom when necessary.

Each arm 20 and 22 forms a part of an arm assembly, which also comprises a power source, such as an electric or electronic motor 46, 47, which is configured to operate a winch assembly 48, 49, respectively. The winches 48, 49 are mounted on the boat adjacent the respective arm. Each winch 48, 49 carries a length cable 50, 51 wound thereon and connected to the proximate end 28, 29 of the respective arm 20, 22. One end of the cable 50, 51 is secured to a connecting member 52, 53, which can be a ring swiveled to the proximate end of the respective arm.

The winches 48, 49 are configured for communication with an electric system of the boat, or as in one of the preferred embodiments to an electronic control unit 54. The control unit 54 is configured to remotely operate the winches 48, 49, paying out the cable 50, 51 or retracting the cable. As a result the control unit 54 controls movement of the arms 20, 22 between an elevated position shown in FIG. 3 and a lowered position shown in FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that an operator 60 can stop movement of any of the arms separately in any of the desired positions between a fully elevated to fully lowered.

Turning now to the operation of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, with particular reference to FIGS. 4-7, a conventional oil containment boom system 62 is shown comprising an inflatable boom member 64 (shown in cross-section in FIG. 5) secured to a boom cable 68. The boom member 64 can be composes of a plurality of boom sections attached end to end to form an elongated boom member 64.

A mesh curtain 70 extends downwardly from the boom member 64. Conventionally, the mesh curtain is designed to prevent underwater oil particles from escaped a designated area. A weight member, such as for instance metal chain 72 is secured along the bottom edge of the mesh curtain 70 to keep the mesh curtain in a generally vertical position underwater. Securing stakes 74 extend from the boom member 64 through the chain 72 to keep the chain in place. The stakes 74 are spaced a distance from each as dictated by the current or wave action in a body of water 76.

FIG. 4 illustrates an inspection crew travelling in a flotation vessel or boat 14 equipped with the apparatus 10 of the present invention. When a damaged section 80 is detected in the boom system 60, one of the pivotal arms 20 mounted on a side of the boat 14 is lowered into the water to a position shown in FIG. 5. In this position the second arm member 24, 25 extends below the chain 72, causing the chain 72 to slide along the upper surface 26, 27 into a corner 82 formed at the intersection between the first arm member 21, 23 and the second arm member 24, 25. Although one arm is needed for retrieval of the damaged boom section, it is preferred that the flotation vessel 14 be maneuvered to position the arms 20, 22 on opposite sides of the damaged boom section.

The operator 60 then activated the winches 48, 49, causing the arms 20, 22 to gradually rise and pull the damaged section of the boom 64 out of water. The operator then grabs the boom able 68 and can either wind it on the arm cleat 40, 41 or on one of the gunwale cleats 84, which are conventionally provided on the gunwale 12 of the boat 14. A boat hook 86 can be used to reach for and engage the chain 72, as shown in FIG. 6. In the elevated position, the arms 20, 22 extend almost horizontally to bring the damaged sections of the boom 64 closer to the technician.

The damaged boom sections are then repaired using the boom cable 68 and tightening it to close the gap 80 formed in the boom system 60. Once the repairs are complete, the operator guides the chain 72 along the arms 20, 22 and extends the boom 64 over the side of the boat, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The control unit 54 is then operated again, lowering the arms 20, 22 and lowering the boom system into the water. The arms 20, 22 can be operated in unison or separately, depending on the situation.

The present invention provides a more effective system for recovering or retrieving oil containment boom from the bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers. It provides methods and apparatus for retrieving and deploying oil containment boom systems quickly and easily, and with minimal disturbance of the environment. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for effectively containing water-borne oil spills, even under adverse conditions or near shorelines, rocks, and reefs by allowing a shallow watercraft to access the boom system in an expeditious manner. As a result, the oil spill is ameliorated by containment, such as within a barrier formed by the boom system.

The apparatus of the present invention can be easily installed on lightweight boats without complex or expensive retrofits. These marine vessels can monitor the boom systems in areas of a body of water that are remote from collection vessels or in areas where shipping hazards or the oil itself prevent safe vessel operation. The boom retrieval apparatus of the present does not need to rely on the presence of specialized boats or vessels but can work using a small watercraft.

Many changes and modifications can be made in the design of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for retrieving and deploying an oil containment boom system from aboard a flotation vessel having a gunwale, the apparatus comprising: at least one elongated arm pivotally mounted on the gunwale of the flotation vessel, said at least one arm being configured to move between an elevated position above surface of a body of water and a plurality of lowered positions below the surface of the body of water; a means operationally coupled to the at least one arm for applying pivotal force to the at least one arm; and a control means for controlling movement of the at least one arm between the elevated and the lowered positions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a pair of parallel arms, each separately mounted and operated by the control means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, said at least one arm having a generally L-shaped configuration.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, said at least one arm comprising a first elongated arm member having a proximate end and a distant end and a second arm member extending transversely to the distant end of the first arm member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, said second arm member being provided with a sloping upper surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, means for applying pivotal force comprising a winch assembly having a pre-determined length of cable wound thereon, one end of the cable being connected to the proximate end of the at least one arm.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the means for applying the pivotal force further comprises an electric motor operationally connected to the winch assembly.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a means for mounting the at least one arm on the gunwale of the flotation vessel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the means for mounting the at least one arm comprises a bracket secured to the gunwale of the flotation vessel.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for applying the pivotal force is mounted on the flotation vessel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control means is configured for remotely controlling operation of the means for applying the pivotal force.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm carries a cleat.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cleat extends upwardly from the at least one arm.
 14. A method of retrieving an oil containment boom system from aboard a flotation vessel having a gunwale, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one elongated arm pivotally mounted on the gunwale of the flotation vessel, said at least one elongated arm having a proximate end and a distant end; providing a means operationally coupled to the at least one elongated arm for independently applying pivotal force to the at least one elongated arm; providing a control means for controlling movement of the at least one elongated arm; extending the at least one elongated arm over a side of the flotation vessel; activating the means for applying the pivotal force and causing the distant end of the at least one elongated arm to lower to a position below the oil containment boom; pivotally moving the at least one elongated arm such that the oil containment boom is lifted above a surface of a body of water.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprising a step of providing a pair of elongated arms and securing the elongated arms in a substantially parallel relationship on the gunwale of the flotation vessel.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the elongated arms is provided with an independent means for applying pivotal force.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the control means is configured for separate independent control of each of the pair of arms.
 18. The method of claim 14, said at least one arm having a generally L-shaped configuration.
 19. The method of claim 14, said at least one arm comprising a first elongated arm member having a proximate end and a distant end and a second arm member extending transversely to the distant end of the first arm member.
 20. The method of claim 19, said second arm member is provided with a sloping upper surface.
 21. The method of claim 19, means for applying pivotal force comprising a winch assembly having a pre-determined length of cable wound thereon, one end of the cable being connected to the proximate end of the at least one arm.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the means for applying the pivotal force further comprises an electric motor operationally connected to the winch assembly.
 23. The method of claim 14, further comprising a means for mounting the at least one arm on the gunwale of the flotation vessel.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the means for mounting the at least one arm comprises a bracket secured to the gunwale of the flotation vessel.
 25. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one arm carries a cleat extending upwardly from the at least one arm. 